NBA jersey numbers revealed for newest Kentucky draftees

The last Kentucky players of the John Calipari era are off to the NBA and about to make their mark in the league.

On Tuesday, the full reveal of their jersey numbers were finalized.

Reed Sheppard, who was drafted 3rd overall to the Houston Rockets, will be wearing No. 15, the same number he wore with the Wildcats.

He will be joining a young core with the headliner being Jalen Green, a career average of 19.6 points per game across his first three seasons. Alongside Green and now Sheppard is Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and others.

"I'm super excited," Sheppard said after being drafted. "They have a really good thing going in Houston. The coach is really good ... They have a bunch of really young, athletic guys, and we'll be able to play fast. It's going to be fun. I'm super excited to get out there and learn and take it all in, so I can't wait."

Sheppard was officially introduced to the Houston media on Tuesday.

As for Sheppard's backcourt mate Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall selection will be wearing No. 4 with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dillingham was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs but then immediately traded to the Timberwolves. The expolsive guard is a terrific fit with Minnesota and will have a major role on day one.

"Yeah, playing with Anthony Edwards and the whole Timberwolves. They were in the Western Conference Finals. So it's really just a blessing because I get to learn from a lot of players and veterans and players that are real good," Dillingham said on draft night. "Them helping me is just a plus for me."

Finally, for the second round selection of Antonio Reeves, the former Kentucky sharpshooter will be wearing No. 12, also his college number.

Reeves was introduced to the Pelicans media last week.

"Antonio is a big-time shooter, playmaker,” New Orleans Pelicans GM Bryson Graham said. “He’s a marksman.”

The other two former Kentucky players who were draft eligible this season, Tre Mitchell and Justin Edwards, have both signed summer league deals.